If one thinks about the Balkans, vacation at the Mediterranean Sea or past wars come to mind – but certainly no stunning rivers. Indeed, Europe’s Blue Heart beats on the Balkan peninsula: this is where one can still find the wildest and most beautiful rivers of the continent. And hardly anyone knows about it.

What’s more, these rivers are one of the most important hotspots for European freshwater biodiversity. Did you know that the Balkan rivers host 69 fish species that live only here and nowhere else in the world? Or did you know that over 40% of all endangered freshwater mussels and snails of Europe can be found in these freshwater systems?

Not even the most striking and valuable river stretches, national parks and stretches known to host endangered Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho) are to be spared. Commonly with the help of Western businesses and loans.

In cooperation with local partners, the NGOs ‘EuroNatur’ and 'RiverWatch' have launched a “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign aiming to safe this European heritage from destruction. It will be a long, tough way, but it is worth every effort. Learn more about the campaign on this website.